Santorini for kids

Moon-like shape of the island

Before you come to Santorini draw your kids’ attention to the peculiar shape of the island. Maybe they will be able to figure out that Santorini’s moon-like shape is a result of the devastating volcano eruption that affected the island a very long time ago. You will be able to visit the volcano while in Santorini.

Playing hide-and-seek in Oia

When on Santorini, everyone wants to see the island’s landmark – the white village of Oia. If you are heading there too, then you probably should know that this small village is a never-ending maze of narrow streets, nooks and crannies. And even though walking the streets is not children’s favourite thing to do, here on Santorini they may be excited to play hide-and-seek while exploring the hidden treasures of Oia.

The village, although predominantly white, it attracts kids’ attention with its blue and orange rooftops, colourful glass, small doors that just wait to be opened, decorated walls, and funny sculptures here and there. It is even possible to sit on the roof of one of a tiny house just to take a picture.

In Oia the views are spectacular and your children will feel they are on top of the world. It’s also a perfect place to watch the sun setting, but if you want to avoid the crowds or have more fun, take your kids for a sunset watch boat trip to cruise right through the sunken volcanic crater!

Ancient Ruins

If you crave for even more adventure, then definitely visit Akrotiri – the oldest prehistoric settlement on the Aegean Sea. Your kids will feel they went back in time as they step into the ancient city ruins. It may be hard for them to figure out why the town looks so gloomy as if it has just been struck by a huge earthquake. This however may lead to an interesting discussion on the topic.

Beach Time

If you feel too hot on Santorini, and most probably you will so, then the best idea may be to explore the eastern coast of the island where the beaches are safer, longer and more family friendly. You may want to take your kids to the Red Beach located on the southern part of the island, not far from the town of Fira. The red rocks give the beach its unique reddish colour and the water, due to the constant volcanic activity, usually are warmer than elsewhere. This is what your children will definitely be excited to go for. However, the access to the beach is rough and steep so you may as well just decide to admire it from the cliff.

Families should know

• Santorini gets crowded and it is easy to lose track of your children, especially when you visit Oia in summer time.
• The western part of the island is rocky where huge cliffs and deep waters make it almost impossible for kids to swim. If you do decide to have a swim in Oia, monitor your little ones at all times as the water gets dramatically deep just after a few meters from the shore.